OUR GOING TO CHURCH TIMES !!

Hi Everyone !

First things first – our grandchildren, Hatcher and Lavinia progressed in growth and development far faster than was predicted, and after only 2 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, they are both home – not bad considering they were 6 weeks premature. Mary and John report that so far, all is going well. John will be home for the next 2 weeks, and then, John’s mother will be coming to help during the week. I’m most grateful to her and to all the others who will be there in my stead, until I can return stateside for a visit. That will happen sometime in January – and I plan to spend my entire 10 day visit in D.C. holding babies.

Mike & I are still surprised at how different our reality in Swaziland is vs. our expectations. First, before we left the USA we didn’t think we’d ever really get cold in Africa. Well, so far, we’ve never been really hot, and frequently we have been chilled, and just about every night still sleeping under blankets. It’s still “spring”, so I’m sure the hot weather is coming, but even on the warm days, the nights are cool. This after three and a half months in Africa.

I thought you’d like to hear more about what church is like in Swaziland, since around 85% are Christian, and most seem to be actively involved in their faith. On Sundays, you’ll see many groups of women, some men, and children – all dressed in their best – walking to their services. The predominant denomination is some form of Zionist, or Pentecostal, although there’s everything in between. We’ve seen various “uniforms” from certain churches, usually identifying church leaders. We’ve also watched groups of men carry the pews down the road to their building for worship – now that’s dedication. Our first church service was at our first homestay. We walked about 1 ½ miles down the road and up a gravel path. The church was very simple – concrete block walls, tin roof, no electricity, a simple altar in front. The men sat on one side, the women on the other. The singing was amazing – usually led by a song leader, but everyone joins in loud and clear. There’s no piano or instrumentation, just voices. There’s lots of repetition, and just when you think it’s over, they begin again. Since the service was in SiSwati, the pastor had a teenager sit with Mike & me to interpret. The service lasted 3 ½ to 4 hrs. and that is typical. Luckily we each brought our Bibles, so we could read to pass the time.

Our next church experience was at an Anglican church in the town close to where we now live. It’s much more traditional, (but I think less typical) and feels like an Episcopal or Lutheran service back home, except, of course, in SiSwati. Luckily, the services here last 1 ½ to 2 hrs., so that now seems short. They follow the Book of Common Prayer and keep to the lectionary of a prescribed set of scripture passages according to the date. It is a rather small congregation, so when we arrive with the 23 children, we certainly make our presence known. Everyone has been extremely friendly, and we’re glad for the opportunity to meet some folks in town, since most of our time is spent at the farm with the children. It is amazing how 2 housemothers make sure all the kids are fed, in their Sunday best, even down to clean shoes, and ready to go by 8:30 a.m.

Time to go – next time I’ll talk about the schools. We miss you all, and thanks for your prayers for the health of our grandchildren. Love, Gail and Mike